Trump and Paris Deal: Accord will survive US President

President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on fighting climate change has been met with regret by the EPP Group in the European Parliament. “Trump's decision is a sad one, but I am certain that the Paris Agreement and the worldwide efforts to fight climate change will survive Donald Trump. Europe and the rest of the world need to give a strong signal. We need to fulfil our commitments and continue the international process on climate mitigation. At the same time, it is more important than ever to protect European industry when it produces to the best possible environmental standard", said Peter Liese MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on Environment and Health.

“Trump’s decision cannot be legally binding before 2020. Who knows if President Trump will still be in office at that time? Many parts of the United States, for example California, will still continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union and all the other partners in the agreement are committed to continuing with their commitments and the international process despite Trump's decision", said Liese.

As for the reform of the European Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), Liese insists that companies producing according to the best technology are not burdened by the EU ETS. "I sincerely hope that the Council adopts the amendments that the European Parliament already adopted with a broad majority. We have to consider further action such as a border tax adjustment if the measures are insufficient. If US companies now benefit because they have no more climate obligations, such a measure should not be ruled out", the EPP Group MEP concluded.